Washington (CNN) - Congress returns this week from its summer recess, and its agenda for the rest of the year can be summarized in one word - jobs.

Lawmakers in both parties are already promoting their own brands of fiscal recovery and job growth as the best way to lift the sagging economy. But the tension and distrust between Democrats and Republicans, built up during the debt ceiling debate over the summer, was evident again in the flap last week over scheduling President Barack Obama's jobs speech to Congress.

Washington (CNN) – The Senate voted down two competing Democratic and Republican spending bills Wednesday, following a plan designed by congressional leaders and the White House to prove that neither bill has enough support to become law. Already anticipating the failed votes in the Senate, House Republican leaders are drafting another short term spending bill to keep the government running as the House and Senate and White House continue to negotiate spending cuts for the rest of the year.

Congressional leaders hoped the votes Wednesday would show lawmakers in both parties more compromises are required.FULL POST

Washington (CNN) - One week before a potential government shutdown, Senate Democrats for the first time reacted positively to an offer from House Republicans that would keep the government running for two more weeks while cutting $4 billion.

“The plan the Republicans are floating today sounds like a modified version of what Democrats were talking about” in a proposal made to Republicans Thursday, said Jon Summers, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.FULL POST

(CNN) - Congressional Democrats and Republicans worked together grudgingly during an unexpectedly productive lame-duck session, clearing several major pieces of legislation, while setting aside concerns that partisan animosity and legislative gridlock would define the short post-election work period.

In doing so, lawmakers from each party - and President Obama, too - can claim legislative successes and political momentum heading into the new Congress, which begins in a just a few days.FULL POST

Washington (CNN) - With pressure mounting back home to curb government spending and cut deficits, the Senate will vote Monday night on a measure aimed at banning all legislative earmarks for the next two years, but multiple aides on both sides of the aisle say it's not expected to clear a 67-vote threshold required to pass.FULL POST

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Hoping to quell growing concerns in Congress about enhanced security procedures for airline passengers, top administration officials who oversee airport security went to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to explain the new methods and why they are needed.

The closed, nearly two-hour briefing for congressional staff members included a detailed explanation of new advanced imaging technology that has sparked outrage from some passengers because it captures an image of their bodies through their clothing. Also, Transportation Security Administration officials demonstrated the invasive pat downs required for passengers who either refuse a full body scan or who need a follow-up inspection after an image is taken.

House and Senate Democratic negotiators reached a tentative deal Friday to use a fast-track budget process to move President Obama's health care overhaul.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - House and Senate Democratic negotiators reached a tentative deal Friday to use a fast-track budget process to move President Obama's health care overhaul, according to Democratic leadership sources in both chambers.

Use of the special process – known as budget reconciliation – signals major health reform is likely to pass this year because, under the process, Republicans won't be able to filibuster the legislation. Democrats, who currently control 58 seats in the Senate, would be able to pass it with a simple majority vote, instead of the 60 needed to overcome a filibuster.

Republicans, and some Democrats, had warned against using the tool to pass major policy changes without bipartisan support. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-WY, a key senator on health care matters, recently compared it to a "declaration of war" against Republicans.

Both the House and Senate are expected to pass the budget measure next week. Democrats have set a goal of passing health care reform by August.